Quick Answer
Secure your home by removing attractants such as pet food, bird seed, and compost, and install hardware cloth or metal mesh around vents and chimneys. Use sturdy, animal-resistant trash cans with tight-fitting lids. Consider installing electric fencing around your property.
Securing Your Home’s Perimeter
To prevent rabid wildlife from entering your home, start by securing your property’s perimeter. Remove any potential attractants such as pet food, bird seed, and compost, which can draw animals to your home. Secure your trash cans with sturdy, animal-resistant lids that are at least 3 feet off the ground and equipped with self-closing and self-latching mechanisms. Consider installing motion-sensitive outdoor lighting to deter nocturnal animals.
Protecting Vulnerable Areas
Rabid animals can exploit vulnerabilities in your home’s structure, such as vents and chimneys. Install hardware cloth or metal mesh around these areas to prevent animals from entering your attic or walls. Use a mesh with openings no larger than 1 inch to prevent raccoons, opossums, and other small animals from squeezing through. For chimneys, consider installing a chimney cap with a spark arrestor to prevent animals from climbing up.
Additional Precautions
Consider taking additional precautions to protect your home and family from rabid wildlife. Install electric fencing around your property to deter animals from approaching your home. This can be especially effective for larger animals such as deer and coyotes. If you live in an area with a high incidence of rabies, consider consulting with a wildlife control professional to assess your home’s vulnerabilities and develop a comprehensive plan for preventing rabid animal encounters.
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